Opening our doors

10 April 2014

Since Blenheim was founded in 1964, we have supported thousands of people struggling with addiction. In March, as part of our 50th celebrations, we opened the doors of our services to their local communities.

33-year-old Sam, came to the charity in 2007 for help with alcohol addiction.

He said: “The police referred me here after I was caught shoplifting. I was in a terrible place in my life and desperately needed help. I can’t thank the charity enough because I have now been clean for three years. I came here for group therapy and had one-on-one support, they have opened my mind and set me free completely.”

Susan, 50, was referred to Blenheim by her GP because of her alcoholism.

She said: “I started coming here in November last year, and haven’t had a drink since New Year’s Day. They have given me so much support, and in the group sessions I have really connected with other service users. I am hoping to be able to work very soon. This place has helped me so much.”

Over the years Blenheim’s services have adapted to the changing needs of the community including helping people hooked on party drugs like amphetamines and legal highs, as opposed to heroin abuse.

Denell Dema, the manager of IDAS Battersea, said: “I am really proud to be here, and am so glad that many of the people we have helped have come to show their support at our coffee mornings. The fact we see less heroin users now shows that drug treatment does work. However there are always new obstacles and we will keep working hard to overcome them.”

Where do you live?

Blenheim currently provides services across 11 London boroughs. If we don’t have services in your area, there’s lots more help available. Find out where else you can get help with drug and alcohol issues.